In this video from the NAILS Troubleshooter series, Light Elegance educator Loni Preato shows how to use the reverse application method to sculpt a perfect smile line with pink-and-whites, colors, or glitter acrylics.

When it comes to service breakdown, a handful of common slip-ups and mistakes are often at the root of the problem. Clients can share the blame too, by abusing their own nails and causing damage, but NAILS compiled a list of 10 common application mishaps to help you keep your enhancement applications flawless.

Does our environment change how we do nails? Do techs living in climates where it dips into double digits below zero work differently than techs who live where it’s nearly 100 degrees with 80% humidity?

Once you start working with clients regularly, you may run into minor mishaps that will challenge you. To help you out when they do, keep this chart handy for pointers on fixing some of the most common problems.

There are a variety of nail issues, from the everyday bitten-nails to the all-out chip or crack, that require you to call in reinforcements. Whether using acrylic or gel (or even a tea bag), we offer some ways to strengthen nails into long-lasting beauts.

Monomer is a Greek term that means “one part” or “one unit.” (Mono means “one”; mer means “unit.”) But beyond “monomer,” what is the liquid that we use day in and day out? We’ve listed the ingredients necessary in every formula, regardless of manufacturer.

You learned a lot in school, but once you start working full time with clients you’ll see that minor mishaps with nail enhancements will occasionally pop up to frustrate and challenge you. To help you out when they do, here's some handy troubleshooting advice on fixing the more common acrylic and gel problems.